Details

Date Published

Date Built

CPU Clock Rate

2.6 GHz

CPU Temperature While Idle

32.0° C

CPU Temperature Under Load

60.0° C

GPU Core Clock Rate

1.05 GHz

GPU Temperature While Idle

28.0° C

GPU Temperature Under Load

80.0° C

Description

I built this 16 core, 32 thread system for video editing, music production with many virtual instruments, and for an overall 'badass' factor. The system is currently in its earliest stage, as I've just assembled the unit, and haven't had the opportunity to tweak and customize the build to my perfect liking. The system is currently in progression. I will update this log with transition notes, and my thoughts on the build.

This list will evolve, as the build does. The R(x) version will change as it updates.

R1 > R2: The Phanteks Enthoo Luxe case was just way too big for my liking, and I wanted something much more classy and open faced. Enter the InWin 303! This case has been amazing to build in, and very easy with this setup. I don't have a lot of local storage, so this case was a good choice for the build. I am considering adding expansion to the storage space. Hopefully, I'll be able to accommodate it. I've added RGB lights and fans, as well as modded the GTX 970 with an RBG logo, and painted it white. This version of the build will likely be around for a while. I'm very happy with its current state.

Part Reviews

CPU

Cheap, if bought used, and kicks *** at anything multi-core. Shockingly cool running, never exceeds 60c on air. NOT recommended for gaming or single-core work loads. Can, and does play video games, but not recommended.

Motherboard

The holy grail of all dual socket 2011-v1 boards. You will not find anything better than this. SSI-EEB format is difficult to accommodate, due to its large size and odd screw pattern. It shows its age, however, due to the lack of modern options, such as M.2 onboard, but that's to be expected. More PCI-E configurations than you could EVER want. Quad SLI at x16 per slot.

Memory

Pretty stable, looks good, and hasn't had any errors. Does not overclock well, and is very expensive. If you're in the market for RAM, look elsewhere. If you find this kit for cheap, however, I wouldn't hesitate. It's a decent performer.

Case

This case is the easiest to work in, and the most attractive case I've ever owned. Modding it is a breeze, it's very sturdy, and the glass side panel is gorgeous with lights behind it. I regret nothing about this case.

Power Supply

GOLD power, 850w, for $120?? Sign me up!! Was a little disappointed to see that they used the braided sleeves around the black cables, VS a flattened approach, but no mustard cables either! I couldn't be happier, for the money spent. Eco mode works, too. Quiet.

Wireless Network Adapter

Monitor

Got this from Costco for 280. I do not regret my choice. Ultrawide is more important to me than pixel density. I wish the refresh rate were higher, but for the money, you cannot beat this deal. Look no further.

Keyboard

I've never been more shocked by a mechanical keyboard. Not because it's quiet, or particularly featured... but the price! This is an AMAZING alternative to $200+ mechanical keyboards. It has virtually no flex, feels and sounds satisfying, and has replaceable keycaps. When I start looking for an RBG variant of this keyboard, I will only be shopping Redragon.

Mouse

I bought this mouse, thinking it was going to be terrible... But my Redragon K552 mechanical keyboard was kicking ***, so I thought "maybe it's not going to be that bad!"

This mouse has kicked *** since day one. I don't need more thumb buttons than 2, however, so this was a perfect match. I love this mouse. I will always shop Redragon for my peripherals. Stop paying hundreds for "gaming mice". Spend less than $20, and don't regret it. Get this mouse.

Other

I don't often take chances on Chinese branded stuff, but I'm glad I found these fans. They're oddly great for the price, which is shocking. Each kit comes with a 4 LED controller hub, 2 LED strips, and 2 fans with LED strips inside of the ring. Buying 4 kits (89 bucks, when a competing LED fan controller would cost 89 bucks for one kit), I was able to get 7 fans controlled by LED, and 5 strips. The fans themselves are 3 pin controlled, and have a separate 4 pin controller for the LED strip inside. They're quiet, effective, and I've been on them for 3 months with no issues. If you're looking for a cheap alternative to LED fan controllers like NZXT Hub, you've found it, and it's worth your money. Look no further. You seriously NEED this kit.

Other

Pretty damn good headset, for the price. The band itself could be a little more oriented for big heads, but that's my problem and not theirs. Sounds great, feels good. Leather earmuffs and head cushion.

Not at all! I just disable the GPU for video in the BIOS. For systems that don't have such a robust motherboard, I would recommend not mixing GPU brands. But there's tutorials on this kinda stuff on YouTube, and I'm sure someone explains it better than I can.

Mostly due to the fact that these processors do not clock very high, and therefore, games that can only use 1-4 cores won't be as quick as you'd like them to be. Xeon processors are core count over speed, and for gaming, you'd be better off with a Ryzen 4 core or higher with SMT, clocked at 4Ghz. Your IPC (instructions per clock) will be much better.

With something that prefers core count, not single core speed (like music and video editing software), these processors are godlike.